Brown County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Brown

Being arrested for a DUI in Brown, Texas is stressful. One of the first things you're likely worried about is getting your car back. This guide provides immediate, practical information to help you navigate the vehicle impound process in Brown. Understanding the procedures and acting quickly can save you significant money and hassle.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Brown, TX, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety and prevent you from driving while intoxicated again. The impound gives law enforcement time to process your arrest and conduct any necessary investigations. The bad news is, you're responsible for all towing and storage fees.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your vehicle is the first step. Don't panic, but act quickly to minimize storage fees.

Official Impound Lots in Brown

Unfortunately, we don't currently have specific information on designated impound lots in Brown. This is common in smaller counties where towing services rotate or are contracted privately. However, you can find out where your car is by contacting the Brown County authorities.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Brown Police/Sheriff: Contact the Brown County Police Department or the Brown County Sheriff's Office. You can find their phone number online through a general web search (as specific contact information is not provided in the prompt).
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name and case number (if you have it) to help them locate your vehicle's impound location.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your car will likely be towed within 24 hours of your arrest, so start your search as soon as possible.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is impounded, gather the necessary documents.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with valid license): You or someone you authorize must have a valid driver's license to retrieve the vehicle.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: Proof that the vehicle is insured.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay towing, storage, and administrative fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you can still get your car back, but you'll need help:

• Have someone else pick it up: Designate a licensed driver to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, written authorization from you (a signed note), and the vehicle's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Brown

Understanding the costs involved is crucial. These fees can add up quickly, so act fast!

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the towing service.
• Daily storage: Storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative fees: There are likely administrative fees associated with processing the release of your vehicle.
• Release fee: A separate fee charged for releasing the vehicle.

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate DAILY. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to get your car back.

Payment Methods

Payment methods vary by impound lot. It's best to call the impound lot directly to confirm accepted payment types. Common payment methods include:

• Cash
• Credit card

Timeline

Time is of the essence. Here's a critical timeline to keep in mind:

Within 24 Hours

Attempt to retrieve your car within the first 24 hours to minimize daily storage fees. This is the most important thing you can do to save money.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for 30 days or more, the impound lot may have the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Financial hardship shouldn't prevent you from exploring options to get your car back or mitigate the costs.

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Ask for assistance from loved ones.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire if the impound lot offers payment plans. This is less common but worth asking.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you can sign over the vehicle's title to the impound lot to avoid accruing further debt. This means you permanently lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Fees add up incredibly fast, making the situation worse.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal complications and fines.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances require special attention.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If your car is considered evidence in your DUI case, it may be held longer by the police.

• May be held longer by police: The police will notify you when the vehicle is no longer needed for the investigation.
• Get release authorization first: Before going to the impound lot, obtain written release authorization from the Brown County Police Department or the District Attorney's office.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else, that person has the right to retrieve it, regardless of your DUI situation.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner has the legal right to claim the vehicle.
• They'll need proof of ownership: The registered owner will need to provide proof of ownership, such as the title or registration.

After Retrieval

Once you retrieve your vehicle, take these important steps:

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Carefully inspect the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Take photos: Take detailed photographs of any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written complaint.

Brown Impound Lot Locations

As mentioned previously, specific impound lot information is currently unavailable. Your best course of action is to contact the Brown County Police Department or Sheriff's Office to determine where your vehicle is being held.

Remember, acting quickly and understanding your rights are essential to navigating the vehicle impound process after a DUI arrest in Brown, TX. This guide provides the information you need to get started. Good luck.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with an attorney to discuss your specific situation.